Topic 2 Discussion 2
Why is it important for counselors to understand the similarities and differences between the
sexual response cycles in men versus women?
Understanding that sexual experiences are different for each gender would be essential for a
counselor to understand when a client comes to them with sexual issues. This is because sexual
response cycles are experienced differently between men and women. Sex and psychology
intertwine as the brain is the biggest sex organ. (Lehmiller, 2021) Men and women can each go
through the phases of the sexual response cycle, but how they go through them is different. Such
as men and women both experience excitement, but because of their varying physical
characteristics, they experience it differently. Another example is that men almost always
experience an orgasm during sex. While on the other hand, women hardly experience sexual
orgasms during intercourse. (Lehmiller, 2021) Women are also more likely to fake an orgasm
than men. Therefore, speaking about sexual experiences with a male would look different than
talking about sexual experiences with a female.
Reference:
Lehmiller, J. J. (2021). Human sexuality and issues in aging, 2e for Grand Canyon University
epdf (2nd ed.). Wiley.
It is essential to know the differences and similarities of sexual response cycles between men and
women because although there are similarities, they are still different. Understanding the
differences can help individuals as well as couples to learn about themselves as well as their
partners or relationships. An example is reaching a climax between men and women. They both
are able to. However, the timing and quantity came to differ. Women sometimes take longer to
reach their conclusion as compared to men. Women are also more capable of running multiple
orgasms than men because of the refractory period men enter following ejaculation sex (Rathus
et al., 2018).
Knowing this as a counselor can help an individual or couple have challenges
understanding why this happens to them or if it is affecting their relationship. Although many
people understand the basics of sex, it is always good to learn more.
Reference:
Rathus, S. A., Nevid, J. S., & Fichner-Rathus, L. (2017). Human sexuality in a changing world
(10th ed.). Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon.
